Today I would like to talk about Copper (Cu) and how it affects dwarf shrimp. This is a very delicate subject because any mistake here can take the lives of our shrimp. Everybody knows that copper is extremely dangerous for shrimp and snails. They are very sensitive to this chemical element. However, I do not take anything for granted. I need to know the details.
That is why I started asking questions. Why is copper dangerous? How exactly does it affect the shrimp? What is the dangerous level for Caridina and Neocaridina shrimp? Is the dangerous level the same for all dwarf shrimp? Unfortunately, popular shrimp blogs and websites have close to zero information about it. Thus, I start the search from the scratch myself (well, this is not the first time I do it) and I have found some very interesting information.
First of all, copper (Cu) is a crucial trace element for shrimp because it is an essential part of their blood. However, copper is also a potentially toxic substance for them. All studies have shown that shrimp are adversely affected when exposed to high concentrations of copper. Exposure to high copper disrupts respiration, inhibits reproduction, reduces fertilization success, decreases fecundity, and puts pressures on the immune systems of the shrimp. The chronic exposure to copper sulphate produced blackening of gills in Caridina shrimp, which can be seen even through the carapace.
The problem is that the limit between the requirement and toxicity of copper is delicate and dependents on a variety of factors.
Copper and Dwarf Shrimp’s Blood
As I have already said, Copper (Cu) is a crucial trace element for shrimp because it is an essential part of hemocyanin. Like a human body needs iron for oxygen delivery in the “blood system“, shrimp utilize hemocyanin as the oxygen-carrying pigment which has an analogous role to hemoglobin.
It has been estimated that, on a fresh-weight basis, approximately 40% of the whole-body copper load in shrimp is found in hemocyanin. Thereby indicating the tremendous significance of meeting copper requirements in shrimp.
Interesting fact: According to some researchers, under different physiological conditions, shrimp can regulate their body copper concentration, which is required for hemocyanin synthesis.
Dwarf Shrimp and Copper Supplementation
There are only two ways for shrimp to obtain copper. They can get it from ambient water or diets. Nevertheless, studies also showed that copper in the rearing water alone cannot meet the requirements. Therefore, dietary copper supplementation is essential for shrimp to meet the need for optimal growth, tissue mineralization, and reproduction.
Biologists distinguish inorganic sources (forms of copper) and organic sources (forms of copper). The organic sources are more stable in the digestive tract and less prone to interactions and antagonisms as they are bound to organic molecules and less accessible to interaction and binding.
Some studies have proved that dietary copper has a vital role in the innate immune response in shrimp. While chemical forms of copper affect its absorption and utilization.
Copper concentration and Dwarf Shrimp
Now I have come to the most important part. What is the dangerous level of copper to the dwarf shrimp? Is the dangerous level the same for all dwarf shrimp?
If you search it on Google, the only good link will be to the “Theaquariumwiki”. It states that the dangerous level of copper for:
- shrimps is 0.03 mg/l (mg per litre).
- algae and bacteria is 0.08 mg/l.
- some fish, snails, and plants are 0.10 mg/l.
Unfortunately, there is no information and references for the source of this data.
Note: If we look at Seachem Cupramine, it says “most fish tolerate Cupramine to 0.8 mg/l, it is not advisable to exceed 0.6 mg/l”. As we can see, we already have some significant differences in numbers.
Frankly saying, I spent several days trying to find official studies and reports. Out of a dozen studies, there is only one, which gives us the direct answer we need. The study is called “Histological Changes in the Gills of Two Freshwater Prawn Species Exposed to Copper Sulphate” (January 1979).
According to the experiment, shrimp of the approximately same size (Macrobrachium ~6 cm and Caridina ~2.5 cm) were exposed both to copper sulphate solutions. The results revealed that copper is highly toxic to both species of shrimp. Hundred percent mortality occurs in 0.5 mg/l concentration. The 48 hr LC50 value comes around 0.3 mg/l. Spontaneous movement and irritated behavior of shrimp were noted at higher concentrations of copper.
Note: LC50 is the lethal concentration required to kill 50% of the shrimp population.
| Therefore, according to this data, the dangerous concentration of copper to the Caridina shrimp can range from 0.24-0.32 mg/l. |
Well, this number is 10 times higher compared to “Theaquariumwiki”!
Can it be a mistake?
Copper Sulphate and Aquatic Inhabitants
As I have already said, I have read many studies and reports, and if we look at some other results it can let us better understand the problem. Let me give you some other examples of how copper affects aquatic inhabitants.
| The LC50 values of copper sulphate | ||||
| 24 hr | 48 hr | 72 hr | 96 hr | |
| Macrobrachium lamarrei (freshwater shrimp, average length 6-8 cm (2,3-3,1 inches)) | 0.380 mg/l | 0.361 mg/l | 0.342 mg/l | 0.304 mg/l |
| Macrobrachium dayanam (freshwater shrimp, average length 4-5 cm (1,5-2 inches)) | 1.634mg/l | 0.988 mg/l | 0.532 mg/l | 0.418 mg/l |
| Macrobrachium rosenbergii (30 cm or 12 inches) |
0.6 mg/l | 0.55 mg/l | 0.45 mg/l | 0.35 mg/l |
| Peneid Shrimp (Metapenaeus ensis, average length up to 19 cm (8 inches) |
– | 0.16 mg/l | – | – |
| Apple snail (Pomacea paludosa) | – | – | – | 0.024 – 0.027 mg/l |
| Paratya australiensis (Australian Glass Shrimp, freshwater shrimp, average length 3.5 – 4.5 cm) | – | 0.043 mg/l | – | 0.034 mg/l |
| Litopenaeus vannamei Shrimp (average length up to 23 cm (9 inches)) |
After 15 days the survival in: – 0.01 mg/l – 100% – 0.05 mg/l – 100% – 0.10 mg/l – 98% – 0.50 mg/l – 43% |
|||
Australian Glass Shrimp (Paratya australiensis) showed less tolerance to copper. Its dangerous level of copper coincides with “Theaquariumwiki” (0.03 mg per liter).
Note: In general, the mortality of tested aquatic species is greatest under conditions of low water hardness, starvation, high water temperatures, and among early developmental stages.
Warning:
As we can see, all shrimp species have different susceptibility to copper. Even within the same species, the tolerance can be different because of the size and molting stage (see later). Unless we get more studies regarding specific species (Neocaridna and Caridina shrimp), it is not possible to determine the real threat of copper to dwarf shrimp.
Therefore, we still have to play very safely. However, this data gives some hope to believe that dwarf shrimp can be tougher than we initially thought.
Caution should be exercised against water source contamination and exposure to fertilizers in shrimp tanks as well.
Copper Intoxication signs and behavior of Dwarf Shrimp
Peculiar behavioral alterations have been observed almost in all shrimp species after exposure to copper sulphate during the copper toxicity tests.
- At first, shrimp quickly respond in the form of increased movement.
- They can also start scrapping of body parts.
- The increased surface movements can be observed in the first few hours of the exposure. Although, it usually normalizes within 24hr of exposure, thereafter animals settle on the bottom of the aquarium.
- The mucus production on the gills starts after 24hr of exposure and is maximum after 96hr (covering almost all the body parts). Biologists believe that the mucous secretion may be an important factor to combat the toxic effects of the copper solution.
- Some shrimp species have the blackening of the undersurface of the carapace (just above the gill region).
- After 72 hours shrimp become sluggish with decreased scrapping and respond feebly to gentle paddling.
- After 96 hours reduction in all activities up to maximum lethargicness. At this point, there are certain alterations in muscle fibers.
Accumulation and Storage of Copper in tissues of Dwarf Shrimp
For many freshwater shrimp and crayfish, whole-body and individual tissue loads of copper increase at rates that are approximately proportional to the copper concentration in the water and to the duration of exposure (often over many months). This indicates that excretion rates are very low relative to uptake rates.
For example, copper, which was steadily accumulated by freshwater crayfish, over a period of 8 weeks, was lost again over a similar time course in clean water. Biologists believe that the haemolymph (the blood) acts as a transport system for copper in these crustaceans but is not a site for accumulation.
Shrimp, Copper, and Molting
Protein, hemocyanin, and copper concentrations in the hemolymph of shrimp fall steeply at the molt. The decrease often starts just before molting, reaching a minimum in post-molt stages, and is followed by a gradual recovery through the inter-molt and pre-molt stages.
For example, Australian Glass Shrimp (Paratya australiensis) had a decreased molt period of 23 days (range 20-27 days) vs. 25 days (18-36 days) in 0.015 mg/l.
Another example, shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei:
– 0.05 mg/l (safe level) – accelerated the molting process.
– 0.1 mg/l (safe level) – accelerated both the molting and reproduction cycle.
These results provide strong evidence that a trace amount of copper is an essential part for both molting and reproduction in shrimp. In addition, recent biochemical studies have certainly shown that changes in hemocyanin synthesis are correlated with particular stages of the molt cycles.
However, there are still many gaps in the overall picture of the metabolism of copper and hemocyanin in shrimp.
Copper and pH in a Tank
In alkaline water (high pH), copper ions bind to calcium carbonate (KH). Therefore, the amount of free copper ions in the water decreases. However, if the pH drops, the poisonous copper ions will be released again.
This is extremely important, because a safe concentration of copper at higher pH may become a lethal dose at a lower pH.
At low pH levels, the water is poorly buffered and copper can become very toxic.
Fertilizers, Copper, and Dwarf shrimp
A lot of shrimp tanks also have plants. Therefore, aquarists often ask, can they use fertilizers? Which ones are shrimp safe? The problem is that almost all of them contain copper and most shrimp breeders are paranoids when it comes to the safety of their shrimp colony. Especially when they hear the word Copper.
I know for sure, that the absolute majority of professional shrimp keepers never use plant fertilizers in their shrimp tanks. Shrimp are too sensitive and nobody wants to take any risk (even the smallest).
I have looked through the most popular plant fertilizers and picked the safest for the shrimp. Although, they do contain copper, the amount of it is minuscule. This is the list.
1. Seachem Flourish
Seachem Flourish (link to check the price on Amazon)
contains a rich assortment of important micro elements, trace elements, and other nutrients. These include calcium, magnesium, iron, copper (0.0001%), and other important elements to aquatic plants and shrimp as well.
According to Seachem, Flourish is safe for invertebrates such as shrimp. I quote from the official site “Yes, Flourish® is safe to use with shrimp. It is true that in large amounts, copper can be toxic to aquatic animals and invertebrates like shrimp and snails can be particularly sensitive. However, copper is needed in trace amounts by both plants and animals, including shrimp, which is why we include it in Flourish, Flourish® Trace, and our other Trace products. The amount of copper in Flourish® is so small that you would have massively overdose before you would begin to approach an amount of copper that is toxic to even the most sensitive animals. There is usually much more copper in tap water than there is in Flourish”.
2. Dennerle series of fertilizers
Dennerle is a world-known German company producing aquarium and pond supplies. They are working with Shrimp King (Chris Lukhaup) himself. Dennerle has a wide variety of pretty much everything you need, including (as they say) shrimp safe fertilizers.
Quote “We often hear that fertilizers are bad for shrimps… But when these products are used correctly (right product at the right dose), they are not dangerous at all! All the Dennerle fertilizers are shrimp safe. Even the iron, with our E15 FerActiv!“
This is what they advise for the shrimp tanks: Dennerle E15, Dennerle V30 Complete, Dennerle A1 Daily, Dennerle S7 Vitamix.
3. JBL series of fertilizers
JBL is another German company, which supplies 60 countries worldwide with a product range of over 1000 products.
According to them, I quote from the official site “The concentration in JBL Ferropol, JBL Ferropol 24 and JBL ProScape Fe +Microelements (link to check the price on Amazon) is so designed that all trace elements are available in the required quantities. Not even multiple overdosing of the fertilizers can lead to consequences with shrimps and other decapods”.
4. Biovert Plant Fertilizer
Biovert Plant Fertilizer (link to check the price on Amazon)
provides all the trace elements you need to ensure healthy plant growth. But the most important for us is that it is shrimp safe. Do BioTrace and BioVert contain copper? Is this copper could be a problem for invertebrates like shrimps?
I quote “The quantity of copper in these products is low and below the dose harmful for shrimps. The products can be used without fear and under conditions noticed on the packaging”.
5. Sera florena
According to them, it is well tolerated by all invertebrates. However, they do not tell us how much copper this fertilizer has.
Sera Florena – click to view on Amazon.
| Note: You need more information about different products, read my article “Shrimp Safe Plant Fertilizers”. There is a description of the most popular plant fertilizers on the market that will not harm your shrimp or snails as well. |
How to test your Tank for Copper
The main problem here is that many common copper test kits are not sufficiently sensitive. They can often show concentrations that are already deadly for the shrimp. That is why we need to choose test kits, which can work with small concentrations.
We have two main favorites here.
1. API Copper Test KIT (detects copper levels from 0-4 ppm)
- Fill a clean test tube with 5 ml of water to be tested (to the line on the tube).
- Add 10 drops of Copper Test Solution, holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops.
- Cap the test tube and shake for 5 seconds.
- Wait 1 minute for the color to develop.
- Remove the cap. Hold the test tube upright over the white area on the color card and view the color of the solution by looking down from above. The closest match indicates the ppm (mg/L) of copper in the water sample. Even a very faint color indicates the presence of copper. Rinse the test tube with clean water after use.
API Copper Test KIT (link to check the price).
2. Seachem MultiTest™ Copper (Range Measures between 0–0.80 mg/L copper)
Copper kits are usually of two types: compleximetric or titration based. Some kits measure only ionic copper and others measure both ionic and chelated copper. This kit uses a highly sensitive catalytic compleximetric based procedure to measure all types of copper to less than 0.01 mg/L in marine or freshwater. MultiTest™ Copper performs over 75 tests and contains a reference sample for validation.
- Fill sample pipette to base of the bulb and dispense to a test cavity of the test plate. Repeat, adding to the same cavity.
- Add 2 drops of Copper Reagent 2.
- Insert the dry Stir rod into the Copper Reagent 1 container to coat the rod with a very light dusting of Copper Reagent 1. Gently tap the rod against the side of the container to shake off excess Copper Reagent 1. Dip Stir rod with Copper Reagent 1 in the test cavity and stir briefly.
- Compare color with color chart within 20 to 30 seconds after stirring. If testing chelated copper, read after 15 to 25 minutes. (Cupramine™ is not chelated.)
- Promptly dispose of completed test solutions by rinsing the test cavity under running water. If the test plate becomes stained, soak or clean with a dilute bleach cleaner, then rinse well.
Seachem MultiTest™ Copper (link to check the price on Amazon).
How to Remove Copper from Tank Water
1. Seachem CupriSorb Copper Remover
CupriSorb™ (link to check the price on Amazon)
is a powerful adsorbent of copper and heavy metals. CupriSorb™ will remove copper more rapidly and efficiently than carbon and is thus ideal for emergency copper removal. It extracts all types of copper, including chelated copper, and remains effective until it turns a deep blue-black color.
It may be regenerated repeatedly. If placed in continuous use, it will gradually extract even precipitated copper from the gravel/substrate bed as well. CupriSorb™ will allow maintenance of invertebrates in copper-treated tanks by removing copper leaching from substrates.
Note: Cuprisorb can be useful because it preferentially removes copper, and will change color as it becomes exhausted which tells you it is time to regenerate or replace it!
2. API BIO-CHEM ZORB
This is one of the most scientifically-advanced filter media available on the market. Bio-Chem Zorb removes organic waste, toxic gases, water discoloration, foul odors and phenols in both fresh and saltwater, and toxic heavy metals in freshwater.
Bio-Chem Zorb will not release phosphates.
API BIO-CHEM ZORB (link to check the price on Amazon).
Can Seachem Prime remove copper?
Not exactly, Prime can detoxify heavy metals at concentrations normally found in tap water. However, for the removal of heavy metals, like copper, at higher concentrations, it is better to use Cuprisorb in your filter if possible.
Some Tips about Copper in Freshwater Tank
Copper in Tap Water
Copper in tap water primarily comes from copper pipes. The heat exchangers of water boilers are usually made of copper. That is why it is not a good idea to use hot water from water boilers in any aquarium.
It is advisable to run water from copper pipes at least for two minutes. During this time, most part of the copper residues should run out.
New Plants Quarantine
Do not ever add newly purchased aquarium plants into the shrimp aquarium right away. You need to quarantine them because:
- They can have pesticides.
- Plants can be treated with copper to remove snails.
For more information, you can read my article “How to Quarantine and Disinfect Aquarium Plants”.
Dwarf Shrimp, Fertilizers and Dosage
If you are still worried about fertilizers in your tank, it would be better to start at 1/2 dose. In 1 month, you can increase it to ¾ dose.
Wait some time more. Then go ahead, and use the prescribed dosage. If you do not see anything unusual.
Conclusion
For the dwarf shrimp that depend on hemocyanin as a circulating oxygen carrier, copper metabolism presents conflicting requirements. On the one hand, hemocyanin maintenance requires the accumulation of a relatively large quantity of copper. Because copper is also essential for dwarf shrimp molting and reproduction. They cannot absorb adequate amounts of copper from ambient water for physiological needs and a dietary source is necessary to meet the needs for optimal growth and tissue mineralization. On the other hand, copper is extremely toxic to all dwarf shrimp.
The problem is that the optimal range of environmental concentrations that avoids deficiency and toxicity can be rather narrow.
Thank-you SO much for this article. I have a planted shrimp tank and wanted to use Flourish for my plants but was afraid to b/c of the copper content. You have clarified many issues re shrimps and copper. I will use it but proceed very slowly and carefully.
Hi Ann,
I am glad that the article was helpful. I would have done the same in your shoes. Do not rush the dosage and test the reaction.
Best regards,
Michael
Hello, i’m a bit confused about these things. I made a snello for my snail/shrimp tank and added a babyfood that with 0,21mg of Cu. Would be this food ok for shrimps? or i’m gonna kill them?
Hi Dafy,
Personally, I would not risk it.
0,21mg is way too high copper concentration for the shrimp!
As I mentioned in the article, according to the study, 50% of shrimp had died in 48 hours at concentrations ~ 0.3 mg/l.
Of course, you can be lucky and your shrimp will survive but I repeat – I would NOT do that.
Best regards,
Michael
Loved this article. Great research.
Hi Sandra,
Thank you 🙂
Best regards,
Michael
Very comprehensive article about copper toxicity to dwarf shrimp. I learned a lot from this well-researched article. I have a couple of comments:
1 A lot of the scientific research appears to use copper sulphate. The figures given in the table,
‘The LC50 values of copper sulphate’ may therefore need to be suitably adjusted to give only the copper toxicity, i.e. excluding the sulphate ion.
2 The API Copper Test Kit is not sensitive enough to measure copper concentrations as low as, say, 0.05 mg/l (ppm). But, I’m not here to ‘plug’ the alternative(s).
Great credit to Michael for all your hard work. I suspect that many aquarists will bookmark this article and refer to it for years to come.
Hi spinon,
Generally, you are absolutely right about copper sulphate vs copper.
The problem is that it is very hard to find reliable information even about copper sulphate. Maybe in the future, when there are more studies about this matter, I will update the article.
Regarding API Copper Test Kit.
They are one of the most copper sensitive tests I came across from my experience. If there is something else (something better) one the market I would really appreciate to know that. I mean it!
Thank you for your kind words,
Best regards,
Michael
Hi Michael,
Thanks for your reply.
Regarding the copper test kit, I use test strips produced under the brand name ‘SenSafe’. The company behind this name is Industrial Test Systems (ITS), Inc. You’ll find them at https://sensafe.com/pond-and-aquarium. Here’s a direct link to the test strips that I use: https://sensafe.com/sensafe-copper-johns/. These strips will measure as low as 0.05 mg/l.
spinon
Hi, I have been trying my best to find out if deer antlers are safe for shrimp. I believe they contain trace amounts of copper. I like the look of them in my tank but will they hurt my shrimp? Im not able to understand some of your research because frankly, Im just not that smart. I dont have access to testing kits or too much of anything here in the boonies and not able to order over the computer. If theres a chance they might hurt my shrimp I will not use them. I did boil them for a long while.
Please advise,
Hi Granny Hatchet,
Well, this is the first time I see that somebody is trying to use deer antlers in a shrimp tank.
Frankly saying, I do not know how much copper they contain.
In your case, if it is possible, I would use a quarantine tank to test it.
Best regards,
Michael
Hi michalel i buy nourish seachem for my shrimp to day i search about material and I noticed copper sulfate in this product is it safe to use this product for taiwan bee?
Shrimp needs amino acid and vitamins
And I have not found a better product than this, but I am very worried about copper sulfate in this product. Thank you if guide me
Hi Arash,
I have never used Nourish Seachem in shrimp tanks. So, I cannot say anything about this product.
Unfortunately, I could not find any information on Searchem forum as well.
https://www.seachem.com/support/forums/forum/seachem-discussions
Personally, I would recommend to ask Seachem support in the first place.
https://www.seachem.com/contact.php
Best regards,
Michael
Hi there!
Very fascinating article. I would like a little bit more information on quarantining aquarium plants for a shrimp tank, if you don’t mind. I bought plants online and the seller told me that he treats his tanks with copper sulfate to get rid of snails. How long should I quarantine my plants before I out them in my tank? I read about one week to one month to make sure no other invertebrates of parasites make it into the tank, but I couldn’t find any info on how long to quarantine plants to make sure the copper level isn’t going to kill all the shrimp in the tank.
Thank you in advance!
Hi Sofia,
Thank you!
Personally, I would recommend quarantining the plants for at least one week. According to some studies, almost 90% of the copper sulfate bounds to the sediments within minutes of application, and 99% of it bounds after 2 days. So, I would say that 7 days are pretty safe.
Best regards,
Michael
Thank you very much!
Hi Sofia,
You are welcome!
Best regards,
Michael
I’ve been feeding Fluval Bug Bites Pleco Formula to my tank that has Otocinclus catfish, neocaridina shrimp and ramshorn snails. All three species love this stuff, however, I’ve just realised it contains Cupric Sulphate Pentahydrate 12.02 mg/kg. Do you think this will be a problem for the inverts?. Thanks
Hi Mick,
Cupric Sulphate Pentahydrate (or Copper Sulphate Pentahydrate) should not harm your shrimp. The dosage is too small to be dangerous. I would not worry about it.
Best regards,
Michael
Great, thanks for the reply.
Hi Michael, do you know Esha Gastrobac?
I was hoping to use it to decrease numbers of my snails. It should be save for shrimps but it has Copper(II) sulfate 24 mg, Copper(II) chloride 0,1 mg per dose for 100 litres. According your article this should be lethal dose. Any expirience with Esha G.? I know…. I should not use chemicals in my shrimp-tank. THX for help
Hi M.J.,
No, I am not familiar with this product and I would be extremely careful with their claim that it is shrimp safe!
I have no idea how 24 mg can be safe… it is opposed to everything I had found about shrimp and copper sensitivity.
Best regards,
Michael
Amazing article, thank you Michael. This is the first time I’ve seen you mention Paratya Australensis, I had a tank of 10 that were wiped out when I added a new plant. They started swimming vertically and spinning around, do you think this would have been copper?
Hi Syd the shrimp kid,
It is possible, however, it is more probable that the plant was treated with pesticides to remove parasites.
Sorry to hear that.
Best regards,
Michael
Thank you for the reply, have you heard of shrimp swimming and spinning vertically before?
Is Fluval bug bites safe for crustaceans, I noticed there algae crisp has cooper at the bottom of the list of ingredients. Aquarium Co-op sells an all in one tested to be shrimp and snail safe Easy Green fertilizer, it has Diammonium cooper EDTA in it. I once had a crayfish and is looking to keep them again and just finished setting up a fresh water pom pom crab tank. Are these items safe for crustaceans?
Hi Mandy,
Trace elements will not harm the shrimp. On the contrary, In small quantities, they are essential for their blood system!
I have never even heard that the Easy Green fertilizer caused problems in shrimp tanks. It is absolutely safe.
Best regards,
Michael
Hi Michael
Excellent article, it really puts perspective on the topic. My question concerns Copper Proteinate, included in some shrimp-designated foods (Aqueon). The standard online definition is ” Copper proteinate is a compound where copper is chelated with peptides, amino acids, or hydrolyzed proteins. It is a source of copper that is absorbed differently than other forms” Is this something that I could trust to use in my shrimp/snail tank
Thanks!
Hi Benefitin,
Sorry for late reply.
I have not used this particular shrimp food from this company before. However, based on my experience, I can say that in the vast majority of cases, all of these additives contain such minimal amounts of copper that they will not have any impact on them.
Best regards,
Michael